ASCO invests in Canada

Company News - September 25, 2012

The ASCO Group has acquired EJR Trucking, Manatokan Oilfield Logistics Ltd and Docktor Oilfield Transport Corporation, –three Alberta-based specialist oilfield services companies.

The acquisitions have significantly increased ASCO’s capacity in Canada and support the group’s international investment and growth plans.

Derek Smith, ASCO Group’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Supported by increased investment from private equity firm Doughty Hanson, our board has ambitious plans for this business and we are currently realising these plans through organic growth and acquisitions.

"Our primary focus will always remain the oil and gas services market, but we want to reach new clients as well as provide more services to our current clients, particularly services which fit and complement our current portfolio.

"The acquisition of these oilfield services companies in Alberta support this strategy. They have doubled the size of our operation in Canada, allowing us entry into new markets and they represent a significant step in our growth plans.”

The acquisitions take total employee numbers from 130 to over 260 in Canada, where ASCO already has operations in Bonnyville, Alberta as well as Halifax and St Johns in Eastern Canada.

EJR Trucking and Docktor Oilfield Transport Corporation are oilfield logistics companies, specialising in drilling logistics and infield services.

The acquisitions of the companies were made through ASCO’s Canadian onshore oilfield services company MOKO, which is based in Alberta. Both new companies will be fully integrated into the MOKO brand.

Manatokan is a specialist oilfield waste management company. Its brand will remain and the company will become Manatokan Oilfield Logistics Inc.

Trough these acquisitions and the acquisition of North Sea Lifting in June 2012, ASCO has grown from 1,600 employees to over 2,000 employees worldwide.